Southern California -- this just in

Red Bull energy drink thefts 'becoming a huge deal,' police say

August 15, 2011 | 7:26
am

Detectives are trying to determine whether a suspect arrested in connection with thefts of Red Bull energy drink from stores in South Pasadena is also responsible for a string of thefts around the region.

“These Red Bull thefts are surprisingly becoming a huge thing, not just in the San Gabriel Valley, but you’re talking about in the Westside as well,” said Det. Richard Lee of the South Pasadena Police Department. “For some strange reason, they’re just in demand.”

On Thursday police arrested Eric Petrossian, 21, of Burbank, in connection with two South Pasadena incidents. The arrest came after a Glendale police officer viewed security camera footage of Petrossian at two supermarkets and said he believed Petrossian was connected to a previous incident, Lee told the Pasadena Sun.

Red Bull thefts also have occurred in La Cañada Flintridge and La Crescenta of late, with $1,200 worth of the drink stolen from a Ralphs supermarket in the 500 block of Foothill Boulevard on July 16. A total of $280 worth of Red Bull was stolen from the Ralphs in the 2600 block of Foothill Boulevard in incidents July 3 and 5. Authorities suspect the Red Bull is being resold.